D23 to Present 'Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives' at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry

Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives is headed to Chicago!

The exhibition, which encompasses nearly 300 artifacts from nine decades of Disney history, opens at the Museum of Science and Industry on October 16 – the actual 90th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company.

Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives’ successful run at the Ronald Reagan Library & Museum wrapped up earlier this year. And now it’s getting even bigger!

In addition to drawings, props, costumes and artwork, the exhibition will feature hands-on, interactive stations that will bring Disney technological breakthroughs in animation and motion pictures to life. Guests can try their luck in recording sound effects for a film, explore the wonders of Disney’s revolutionary "Multiplane" film camera, and even learn to draw some of their favorite Disney characters in an Animation Academy.

There are so many items that it’s hard to say which are my favorites, but a couple of them include, the original script, written by Walt Disney and illustrated by Ub Iwerks, for the 1928 cartoon short Steamboat Willie—which introduced movie theater audiences to Mickey Mouse for the very first time—and a special area dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the release of Mary Poppins.

Presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, the exhibit is something you won’t want to miss as it truly showcases the creative accomplishments and innovations of one of Chicago’s native sons, Walt Disney, and the ongoing legacy of the company that bears his name.

Curating exhibits like this is one of the many roles of our team at the Walt Disney Archives. Part of preserving the magic (as we like to say) involves safeguarding the most treasured items from Disney’s history and then sharing them with the world!

D23 Presents Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, an exhibition which encompasses nearly 300 artifacts from nine decades of Disney history, opens at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) on October 16, 2013 (the actual 90th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company) and continues through February 17, 2014.

Presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives showcases the creative accomplishments and innovations of one of Chicago’s native sons, Walt Disney, and the ongoing legacy of the company that bears his name. From Mickey Mouse to Mary Poppins to Captain Jack Sparrow, the exhibition features many artifacts that have not been widely seen by the public—including drawings; props; costumes; artwork from classic Disney animation, theme park attractions, TV shows and live action films; plus items from contemporary Disney milestones

“The Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives showcases the creativity and innovation that has defined Disney for 90 years,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “We’re proud of this heritage, and we are very pleased to share this rare glimpse into our rich history with Chicago’s world-renowned Museum of Science and Industry.”

In addition to myriad fascinating artifacts that are sure to stir childhood memories and be familiar icons to many, the exhibition will feature hands-on, interactive stations that will bring Disney technological breakthroughs in animation and motion pictures to life. Guests can try their luck in recording sound effects for a film, explore the wonders of Disney’s revolutionary MultiPlane film camera and even learn to draw some of their favorite Disney characters in the Animation Academy.

“Through this exhibit we’re pleased to showcase Walt Disney as both a master storyteller and an impressive innovator whose creative legacy continues to inspire people of all ages,” said David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. “Guests will be immersed in Walt Disney’s ‘can do’ spirit, optimistic outlook and never ending curiosity that propelled him through his impressive career. This spirit continues to be the creative inspiration behind many of the incredible experiences created by Disney today.”

Among the extraordinary items to be featured:

•Clips from several of Walt Disney’s earliest animated works, before there was a Mickey.

•The original script, written by Walt Disney, for the 1928 cartoon short Steamboat Willie, which introduced movie theater audiences to Mickey Mouse for the very first time.

•A partial recreation of Walt Disney’s formal office from the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, Calif., including original furnishings and many of his personal items.

•Hand-drawn artwork, hand-sculpted models and props used in the production of some of Disney’s most iconic and renowned animated features, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo and Sleeping Beauty.

•A recreation of a working animator’s office from the Disney Studios featuring authentic animator’s furniture, and models.

•Animation models and artwork from contemporary Disney animation film hits, including The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and Aladdin.

•Props from classic Disney live-action films, including Mary Poppins, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, The Rocketeer, The Princess Diaries, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl and Enchanted.

•A special area of the exhibition that is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the release of Mary Poppins, with film clips, interviews with the movie’s creators and rare behind-the-scenes photos.

•A salute to Disneyland® Park in California and Magic Kingdom® Park in Florida, showcasing artwork, Audio-Animatronics® characters, and memorabilia from such popular attractions as it’s a small world, Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln, The Hall of Presidents, as well as early plans andcorrespondence for Walt Disney’s vision of Epcot.

This exhibit is not included in Museum Entry and will require an additional timed-entry ticket, which is $9 for adults, $9 for seniors and $7 for children 3-11. Tickets will go on sale at msichicago.org on September 4, 2013. D23 Gold and Silver Members will receive a special discount on exhibit entry.

Explore nine decades of Disney history and artifacts in Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives. Presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, the exhibition celebrates Disney imagination, innovation and entertainment with nearly 300 artifacts, many which have not been widely seen by the public. From clips of Walt Disney's earliest animated pre-Mickey works, to props, models and costumes from modern favorites like The Little Mermaid and Pirates of the Caribbean, the exhibition is full of childhood memories for kids of all ages.

See drawings, props, costumes and artwork from classic and contemporary Disney animation, theme park attractions, TV shows and live action films. A special celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the release of Mary Poppins presents interview clips and rare behind-the-scenes photos. You’ll also visit the world behind the magic through recreations of a working animator’s desk and Walt Disney's own Burbank office. Then you can try your hand at creating movie magic of your own: recording sound effects, exploring Disney's revolutionary multiplane film camera, or learning to draw some of your favorite Disney characters.

Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives is full of discoveries about beloved Disney memories—from Mickey Mouse to Captain Jack Sparrow—and the artists who brought them to life.

Once you've been inspired by all the imagination on display in Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, the interactive Animation Academy is your chance to create a little movie magic of your own. You can take on the role of an animator with a lesson in drawing your own Disney character. Try the latest in animation technology with the Disney Animated iPad app, which provides an up-close and hands-on look at how animation works today. See the innovations behind contemporary Disney animation from Beauty and the Beast to Wreck-It Ralph, including techniques like morphing and 3D painting and rendering, as well as the models and artwork that are still a part of animation to this day.

Treasures of The Walt Disney Archives at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago Opens

Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, an exhibition which encompasses more than 300 artifacts from nine decades of Disney history, opens at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) on October 16, 2013—the 90th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company.

The exhibit showcases the creative accomplishments and innovations of one of Chicago’s native sons, Walt Disney, and the ongoing legacy of the company that bears his name. From Mickey Mouse and Mary Poppins to Captain Jack Sparrow, the exhibition features many artifacts from Disney’s rich history that have not been widely seen by the public—including drawings; props; costumes; artwork from classic Disney animated films, theme park attractions, TV shows and live-action films; plus items from contemporary Disney milestones. This exhibit will run at MSI through May 4, 2014 and is presented by Walgreens.

“Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives showcases the creativity and innovation that has defined Disney for 90 years,” said Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO, The Walt Disney Company. “We’re proud of this heritage, and we are very pleased to share this rare glimpse into our rich history with Chicago’s world-renowned Museum of Science and Industry.”

In addition to myriad fascinating artifacts that are sure to stir childhood memories and be familiar icons to many, the exhibition will feature hands-on, interactive stations that will bring Disney technological breakthroughs in animation and motion pictures to life. Guests can explore the technology behind the 53 animated Disney feature films and even learn the steps to drawing some favorite Disney characters in the “Animation Academy.”

“Through this exhibit we’re pleased to showcase Walt Disney as both a master storyteller and innovator whose creative legacy continues to inspire people of all ages,” said David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. “Guests will be immersed in Walt Disney’s ‘can do’ spirit, optimistic outlook and never-ending curiosity that propelled him through his impressive career. This spirit continues to be the creative inspiration behind many of the incredible experiences created by Disney today.”

The Early Years

Travel back to Walt’s childhood and younger years to learn about the history behind Walt’s creative genius. From his initial interest in drawing, to establishing his first animation studio and ultimately deciding to move to Hollywood, this first gallery presents Walt’s backstory to set the stage for the legendary brand he later created.

Early Hollywood

Here, guests will get the chance to understand Walt’s role as a film pioneer when he first moved west. Beginning with his silent animated films, Walt experimented with the production of animation, eventually culminating in the creation of fan favorite Mickey Mouse. The success of his cartoons—featuring such icons like Mickey, Donald Duck and Goofy—led to the creation of his first full-color, hand-drawn animation feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937.

Animation Tools & Techniques

Learn how Walt’s artistic accomplishments and storytelling paved the way for an era of invention and innovation. Following Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Walt created classic Disney films in succession: Pinocchio (1940), Fantasia (1940), Dumbo (1941) and Bambi (1942). Learn about Walt’s contributions to the production of animated films— including the invention of the storyboard, perfecting character development and personality animation, creating stylized backgrounds, and the creation of the multiplane camera—all of which set the bar for the future of animated films.

Walt: Showman of the World

By the late 1940s, Walt Disney was a household name for creating quality films for family entertainment. But Walt wanted to expand his talents into the realm of live-action moviemaking. Discover how he made the transition from animated classics to his full-length, live-action movies, in addition to dabbling in television. During this period, Walt released movies Treasure Island and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea and television series Disneyland, The Mickey Mouse Club and Zorro.

Mary Poppins

This special area of the exhibition is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of the release of Mary Poppins. The film was nominated for 13 Academy Awards and won five Oscars, including Best Actress for Julie Andrews in her very first film role, Best Song (“Chim Chim Cheree”), Best Music Score, Best Film Editing and Best Visual Effects.

Theme Parks

This area salutes Disneyland® Park in California and Magic Kingdom® Park in Florida, showcasing artwork, Audio-Animatronics® characters, and memorabilia from such popular attractions as it’s a small world, Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln and The Hall of Presidents, as well as early plans and correspondence for Walt Disney’s vision of Epcot.

Disney Today

Explore how audiences today enjoy Disney. The Walt Disney Company has adhered to the creativity and business spirit of its founders from the first live-action films Disney released, like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, to more contemporary hit films, such as Pirates of the Caribbean.

Animation Academy

Experience the artistry, storytelling and technology still used in the Disney animated films of today. Since The Little Mermaid was released in 1989, Walt’s legacy has continued with more hit films like Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas, The Princess and the Frog, Tangled and Wreck-It Ralph. Explore the innovations used during this second “Golden Age” of animated films, like morphing and 3D painting/rendering techniques

The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago (MSI) is extending the run of Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives, presented by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club. Thanks to the exhibit’s popularity, guests can enjoy the exhibit through January 4, 2015.

(Museum of Science and Industry) Exposition "Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives" (2013-2014)